Addressing Water Issues in Our Community

Water infrastructure is crucial to our daily lives, but recurring problems with leaks and road closures have become a growing frustration in our ward. To address these concerns, I am arranging a meeting in the new year with South East Water to discuss the ongoing issues and seek lasting solutions.

The main concerns we will be discussing include:

• Continuous Leaks: Many residents have reported persistent leaks, particularly along the A274 and Headcorn High Street. While these leaks are eventually fixed, they often resurface months later, causing inconvenience and wasting a precious resource.

• Constant Road Closures: Frequent repairs have led to repeated road closures, disrupting traffic, local businesses, and daily commutes. These temporary fixes are not only inconvenient but also raise questions about the durability of the repair work.

This meeting will be an opportunity to emphasize how these recurring issues impact our community and to press for a proactive and sustainable approach to water infrastructure maintenance.

I am committed to ensuring that South East Water understands the full scope of these challenges. If you have specific examples or experiences related to these issues, please feel free to share them with me. Your input will help strengthen our case as we push for meaningful, long-term solutions.

Thank you for your patience and resilience as we work to resolve these challenges. I will provide updates following the meeting.

Headcorn Community Surgery - Thursday, 21st November

Last week, I had the pleasure of participating in a well-organised Community Surgery at the Heart of Headcorn Community and Cultural Hub, thanks to the efforts of Headcorn Parish Council, who arranged this important event. It was a valuable opportunity for residents to engage directly with representatives from several key organisations.

We were joined by:

• Kent Police
• Maidstone Borough Council Community Protection
• Headcorn Parish Council
• Goodlife Sorted
• Kent Fire and Rescue
• Orbit Housing
• Wrinkly CIC

A Welcoming Space for All

While it was great to see many community members in attendance, we understand that some residents might still feel hesitant about joining such gatherings. Please rest assured that we’re here for you. Myself, Ziggy Trzebinski, Stuart Ellesmere and the Clerks & Councillors of Headcorn Parish Council are available to chat informally with anyone who needed to raise a concern or simply have a conversation.

Looking Ahead

For those unable to join this time, there will be plenty more in the near future. Headcorn Parish Council is dedicated to providing more opportunities for open dialogue and community connection. Your thoughts and ideas are always welcome – whether in person or through other means.

Thank you again to Headcorn Parish Council for organising this fantastic event and to everyone who participated. Let’s continue working together to strengthen our community.

A Locally elected Council Member

One of the joys and honours of being local elected  Council Member is when a local group, business or organisation invites you personally-and not as Deputy Mayor- to a "do or gig" that they have set up for a celebration or attraction. Whilst as Mayor or Deputy you can be invited to many events across the Borough or County, a local invite because you are the LOCAL person is something I treasure. For me that means an in invite in the Headcorn and Sutton Valence Ward that stretches across 5 parishes. 

On Saturday 16th November I was invited, along with Ziggy, my Co-Ward friend and colleague to Sutton Valence School/SVS to the 150 years of Rugby at the School commemoration. They played Cranbrook; my old school.  The game was fairly one sided. Tom Ellis the newly appointed Director of Rugby for the School had made Sutton Valence a truly fine outfit. His days at Bath and Saracens were obvious to see.  We then had a super lunch. Throughout the day we met many people from the farming community. They all had major concerns about the economy. But it was a wonderful day. 

The Head of  the School and many of his team did a great job organising a super event. 

Then I enjoyed a Musical  Extravaganza organised by "Singing for Health" in Headcorn Village Hall.  This is people that sing for pleasure, social interaction and health, NOT to compete for awards or to secure praise for competent voices and scales, JUST smiles and health! But they were great, and it was a good fun night. The Hall was sold out and they raised funds for a good charity. 

So that was a good day!  

A Delightful Evening at the Mayor of Gravesham’s Charity Chinese Meal

As Deputy Mayor of Maidstone, it is always a pleasure to attend events that bring communities together while supporting worthwhile causes. Last night, I had the honour of attending the Mayor of Gravesham’s Charity Chinese Meal, it was a vibrant celebration of community spirit, delicious food, and collective generosity, all in support of three incredibly deserving charities:

• ADSS (Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services) provides vital care, support, and resources for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as their families and caregivers. Their compassionate work ensures that those affected by these conditions receive the help they need to maintain dignity and quality of life.
• ellenor, provides exceptional care and support for patients facing life-limiting illnesses and their families. Their work encompasses in-patient care, home-based services, and emotional support for loved ones during incredibly challenging times.
• Waterside Parents’ Centre focuses on supporting parents with pre-school-aged children. This unique service addresses the specific needs of parents, providing resources, guidance, and a welcoming community space to help them navigate the early years of parenthood.

Learning about the transformative work of these organisations was deeply inspiring and underscored the importance of collective efforts to uplift our communities.

A standout highlight was the leadership and hospitality of the Mayor of Gravesham, Cllr Dr. Daniel Adewale King. Dr. King’s warmth, vision, and dedication to fostering community spirit made the evening truly special. His passion for supporting local charities and his efforts in bringing people together to champion meaningful causes are exemplary. It was a privilege to join him in this inspiring event.

The evening, hosted at Twin Dynasty in Gravesend, featured a delectable array of Chinese dishes that brought people together in celebration.

I had the pleasure of sitting next to Samuel Onolaja, Director of Almond Bud Day Nursery. Samuel’s passion for early childhood education and his dedication to nurturing the youngest members of our communities were truly inspiring. It was a pleasure to share stories and learn more about the impactful work he and his team are doing to create supportive environments where children can thrive.

As Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Maidstone, I value opportunities like this to deepen connections with neighbouring communities. Events such as these remind us of the strength we have when we come together to celebrate our shared values and support those in need.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to Mayor Dr Daniel Adewale King and his team for organising this wonderful evening. Their dedication to supporting charities like ellenor, ADSS, and the Waterside Parents’ Centre is a beacon of hope and unity.

Let us continue to lend our support to these MANY vital organisations  throughout our communities, this is what Mayoral Civic duties and pleasures should be about and ensuring they can carry on their invaluable work for years to come.

Meanwhile, I am looking forward to attending a rugby match at Sutton Valence School tomorrow against Cranbrook School. It could be the match of the year for me!

Festival of Remembrance

On Saturday I had the privilege honour of attending the Festival of Remembrance at Rochester Cathedral - a truly moving event that brought our Kent and Medway community together in a shared tribute to those who have sacrificed for our freedom. As this year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the evening took on an even deeper significance, as we remembered the heroic efforts of the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy and turned the tide of World War II.

The concert, inspired by the courage and resilience of D-Day’s heroes, was both powerful and humbling. Each song, reading, and tribute took us back in time, allowing us to connect with the experiences of those who served. I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the generations who fought to secure the liberties we hold today.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who attended and organised this event, and I am honoured to represent our community in paying tribute to our heroes. May we always remember, with both pride and humility, the sacrifices made for our freedom.

This commitment to remembrance continues on Sunday 10^th November, when I will be attending Headcorn’s Remembrance Service and Parade as both Deputy Mayor and the Headcorn and Sutton Valence Ward representative. I am honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of Maidstone and our local ward community.

At the same time, Ziggy will be attending the service in Sutton Valence and will also be laying a wreath on behalf of our community. Together, we hope to express our gratitude to those who came before us and honour their memory for future generations.

New Conservative Leader: Kemi Badenoch

Saturday marked a significant shift for the Conservative Party as we welcome a new leader. Kemi Badenoch steps into the role at a time when confidence in our party has been tested, and expectations for change are high. The challenges before her are substantial, from restoring public trust to redefining the party’s visions an internal direction.  This is no small task, but I wish her every success as she takes on this pivotal role.

It will take much work and time to get things right, whilst we can let the present government make more disasters of their own that will restore the public desire to seek any alternatives.

One key area we believe deserves her attention is the future of British farming – a sector with roots in our nation’s heritage and vital importance to our economic well-being. It is time to restore farming to its rightful place, not just as a source of sustenance but as a successful economic model that families can depend on, generation after generation. For too long, complex inheritance taxes and lack of incentives have discouraged young people from continuing family farming legacies. By reducing financial penalties and promoting sustainable incentives, we can give farming families the support they need to thrive. This would not only preserve an important part of our culture but also strengthen rural economies and food security.

There is much work to be done, and the road ahead won’t be easy. But we have faith that with hard work, patience, and a commitment to our values, our new leader can bring about meaningful change. Best of luck to her from our Ward as she takes on this enormous responsibility.

On the subject of farm tax, if you share the same vision for a stronger future for our farming communities, consider signing the petition to Stop the Family Farm Tax here. This initiative aims to remove unfair financial barriers, allowing farming families to inherit and continue their legacies without punitive costs. Supporting this petition is a vital step toward helping preserve an important part of our culture and strengthening rural economies and food security.

The Vineyard and Winery Show

For those that know me will know I am a lover of good food and fine wine, and so I’d like to highlight one of the most exciting events coming to our area this month – the Vineyard and Winery Show! This event for the UK wine industry will take place on 20^th November at the Kent County Showground in Detling.

The Vineyard Show is the go-to exhibition for English wine producers, showcasing the incredible strides Kent has made as a leader in winemaking. The English wine industry is booming, and Kent’s beautiful climate and rich landscape have helped position our county as a standout region for quality and innovation in winemaking. Local wineries, like Balfour Winery at Hush Heath and Chapel Down, are already making waves on the world stage, winning awards and gaining the favour of wine enthusiasts and celebrities alike.

The wine industry is not only vital for producing delicious wines but also plays a significant role in our local economy. From vineyards to hospitality, the entire ecosystem benefits: supply chains flourish, tourism grows, and local businesses thrive as more people visit Kent to experience its unique flavours. The Vineyard Show offers our region a platform to display the very best in English wine and to connect with a broader audience of wine professionals, enthusiasts, and buyers.

Kent’s own Produced in Kent is a fantastic supporter of our local food and drink producers, and the Vineyard Show is a proud collaboration with them to further elevate the region’s wine reputation.

So, who’s heading to the Vineyard Show? Whether you’re a vineyard owner, a local business, or simply a lover of fine wine, this is an event not to miss. Let’s celebrate Kent’s excellence together – and toast to the bright future of our local vineyards.

Reflections on Today's Event: Attending the inauguration of the new Minister at Headcorn Baptist Church

Today I attended the ceremony for the new Minister at Headcorn Baptist Church, a role I’m honoured to fulfil as Deputy Mayor. But this event holds a deeply personal significance for me as well; it has been  forty years since I last stepped inside those doors. The last time I was there was for my sister’s wedding, in 1984, only months later, she was taken from us in a tragic accident.

Walking into that Church stirred many memories. I remember the warmth of the room as friends and family gathered in celebration. It is strange to think how one place can hold both some of my happiest and most painful memories.

And a lady came up to me and said she was the organist at that wedding. It was a pleasure to meet and exchange memories. 

The New Minister does tick all the right boxes though, I  think he will be excellent. I'm biased. He loves planes, cars and old steam and model trains!

I am grateful for the opportunity to witness this meaningful milestone for the church and the community. It was a lovely event with some of the most apt words.  Its a nice church and facility too. 

So, while the day was important in community celebration and faith, it was also a moment of quiet reflection for me - a chance to honour my sister’s memory.